While cricket dominates the national consciousness, football maintains a vibrant underground presence across India, thriving in communities where passion for the beautiful game runs deep. Journalist Sandeep Menon recently embarked on an extensive journey to document these football subcultures, visiting ten of India's most football-crazy regions to understand what keeps the sport alive and kicking.
The Unseen Football Revolution
The scale of grassroots football enthusiasm becomes evident during events like the annual I-Day Cup tournament in Bengaluru. Here, the passion spills beyond conventional boundaries as crowds overflow from stands onto compound walls and even the stairs of railway overbridges. This overwhelming community support demonstrates that football possesses a dedicated following that rivals, and in some regions surpasses, other sports.
Sandeep Menon's investigative journey, documented on November 28, 2025, reveals the intricate network of local football cultures that operate beneath the national radar. These communities have developed their own ecosystems that nurture talent and maintain football traditions passed down through generations.
Regional Football Hotspots
Among the ten regions studied, Meghalaya stands out with its intense local competitions. In Mawlangwir, the confrontation between teams like Golden Lions and Shillong Lajong during 'basti' tournaments exemplifies the competitive spirit driving grassroots football. These local clubs have become community institutions, representing neighborhood pride and sporting excellence.
The research highlights how different regions have developed unique football identities and rivalries. From the northeastern states to southern strongholds, each area contributes distinct flavors to India's football tapestry while sharing a common love for the game.
Sustaining the Football Culture
What makes these football subcultures resilient despite cricket's overwhelming popularity? Community ownership appears to be the key factor. Local tournaments are organized and supported by residents, creating self-sustaining systems that don't rely on national recognition or corporate sponsorship.
The annual I-Day Cup tournament in Bengaluru serves as a perfect example of this organic growth. The event has become so popular that infrastructure struggles to contain the enthusiastic spectators, indicating healthy demand for quality football at the local level.
These grassroots movements represent the foundation upon which Indian football can build a stronger future. By studying and supporting these existing ecosystems, the country could unlock significant potential in a sport that already commands substantial local loyalty across diverse regions.
